Major Motor Vehicle Crash (Press Release)

by Traffic Division, Thursday, August 16, 2012, 02:00 (2287 days ago)

ABILENE, TX – On August 16, 2012, at approximately 12:40 AM, officers of the Abilene Police Department responded to a motor vehicle collision near the north city limits of Abilene. The collision occurred in the northbound lanes of US Hwy 83 approximately .5 miles south of FM 3034. Keenan Cooley, 30, of Hartley Texas was northbound on US Hwy 83 in a blue 2005 Peterbilt 379 hauling a load of cattle. As Cooley reached the crest of the overpass going over Business 83, he was struck in a near head-on collision by a motorcycle. The black 2009 Harley Davidson Sportster, ridden by Justin Burleson 30 years of age of Abilene, was southbound in the northbound one way only lanes of traffic. Burleson was pronounced deceased at the scene by Taylor County Justice of the Peace Brian Smith. Cooley was not injured. Burleson was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. Cooley consented to the taking of a blood specimen, per routine procedure in fatal investigations. A blood specimen was taken from Burleson. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor for Cooley at this time.